On Jan. 19 in South Bend, Notre Dame handed the No.1 Bruins their first defeat in four years, 71–70, coming from behind to halt UCLA's all-time NCAA winning streak at 88. Notre Dame was also the victor the last time UCLA lost a game in
1971.

On March 23 in Greensboro, N.C., David Thompson and N.C. State ended UCLA's run of seven straight NCAA championships, beating Bill Walton and Co., 80–77 in double overtime in the NCAA semifinals. The Wolfpack then beat Marquette for their
first title.
Walton and Thompson shared Player of the Year honors, but Thompson was tournament MVP.